Zamani (seated, centre) with participants of the Shah Alam Low-Carbon City Action Plan 2035 in Shah Alam.
The Selangor capital is targeting a 45% reduction of absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
Shah Alam mayor Datuk Zamani Ahmad Mansor said three zones and 14 Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) low-carbon partners had received diamond certification for greenhouse gas reduction initiatives as of March 22.
“They include Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam and Avisena Specialist Hospital,” he told a symposium organised on the Shah Alam Low-Carbon City (LLC) Action Plan 2035 initiative.
The qualifications needed for diamond certification by Environment and Water Ministry included achieving emissions reduction in energy, water, mobility and waste, as well as maintaining or increasing carbon sequestration.
Receiving diamond certification means a 45% carbon emission reduction has been achieved.
Carbon emissions surrounding the city, its infrastructure and transport are measured under the LLC programme by the ministry in cooperation with Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation.
UiTM Green Centre director Assoc Prof Dr Arnis Asmat receiving an appreciation certificate from Zamani during the event.
Zamani said that to increase the involvement of different sectors, community members, educational institutions, public and private agencies as well as stakeholders under the city council’s jurisdiction were invited to the symposium at a hotel in Shah Alam to discuss and share their success stories.
The symposium also invited Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council and the Melaka Education Department to share about their success in executing plans on low-carbon initiatives.
Zamani said meeting sustainable development goals (SDG) was the first step towards carbon emission reduction in Shah Alam.
“These SDGs include efficient public transportation service and better mobility.
“As an example, the roads around Dataran Kemerdekaan are closed to motorists every night after 6pm and pedestrians can walk freely there.
“We also encourage people to do urban farming,” said Zamani, pointing out that MBSA’s building had a rooftop garden.
“Shah Alam’s Section 8 also has a very successful community farm, for which MBSA provides assistance,” he added.
